Tickets are now on sale for the grand opening of Stirling Castle’s Renaissance royal palace following a £12 million refurbishment.

A magnificent weekend of celebrations are in store which will feature 60 costumed performers, lots of entertainments and – most important of all – a chance to be among the first to tour the palace.

The celebrations, entitled Stirling Castle Presents – a Palace Fit for a Queen, take place on 4 and 5 June.

Places are limited, and entry is by pre-purchased ticket only, to ensure everyone has the best possible experience and to avoid overcrowding. Historic Scotland is urging people to book their tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Gillian Macdonald, Stirling Castle executive manager, said: “We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend, with loads of family fun and entertainment.

"It will be a real pleasure to welcome people into the royal apartments, which have been returned to how they might have looked when they were the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.

“Visitors will also be able to see our new exhibitions and interactive displays, and enjoy all sorts of activities from jesters, dancing and cooking to pike drill and sword fights.

“To make sure that everyone has the best possible experience we have to limit the numbers of visitors to the castle during the main events, so we would encourage people to buy their tickets early.”

The royal palace was built within the castle walls by James V, and probably only completed after his death in 1542. In 1543 it became home to the infant Mary Queen of Scots and her mother Mary of Guise.

A visit to the palace offers the chance to step back into the world of the Scottish royal court in the 1540s.

The six refurbished apartments are beautifully decorated in fine Renaissance style, there are marvellous tapestries, wall hangings, embroideries and furnishings – all showing what a palace would have been like in its heyday.

The reopening of the palace provides Scotland with another major attraction which, it is hoped, will help draw visitors from around the world.

For all the latest on the palace project, and everything else that happening at Stirling Castle, visit our website at www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk and sign up for our free e-newsletter.

Stirling Castle is at the top of Stirling Old Town off the M9 at junction 9 or 10. Call 01786 450000

Historic Scotland has 345 historic properties and sites in its care. These include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country, including Edinburgh, Stirling, and Urquhart Castles, Fort George, Linlithgow Palace, the Border Abbeys, and Skara Brae. For further details visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/.

Historic Scotland’s Mission is to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment and to promote its understanding and enjoyment.